Green Construction

Whether fueled by regulatory requirements, a concern for the environment or the desire to trim energy costs, our clients have increasingly been turning to our Construction attorneys to plan, finance and develop green buildings, which we advise on from inception to completion in all phases of construction projects.

With an eye toward innovation in this quickly growing industry, our Construction attorneys are adept at draftingprime contracts, subcontracts, design contracts, and consultant contracts that properly address the issues unique to green projects. We also analyze contracts for green projects that have been provided to our clients, we review potential trouble spots and issues that may create significant liability, and we provide alternative language to protect their interests. Issues we address can range from competitive advantage to legal and regulatory compliance, green washing, negligent misrepresentations, insurability and breach of contract. Further, we have crafted comprehensive and informative Green Building Addenda for design and construction contracts that we provide to our clients on a complimentary basis.

Much of the growth in green building has its roots in various federal, state and local laws and regulations that either require new developments to satisfy green standards or provide valuable economic incentives for doing so. Wherever the project, our Construction attorneys identify those laws and regulations and help our clients both comply with those rules and obtain incentives that can include tax benefits, expedited permit reviews and density bonuses.

Like any traditional construction project, green projects can face costly claims and delays. Seyfarth’s experienced Construction attorneys can help our clients avoid those potential challenges through risk management and can provide quick and accurate analysis if any problems do arise. If those claims involve litigation, our constructions attorneys have expansive experience in alternative dispute resolution as well as all phases of litigation.

Our construction attorneys include LEED Accredited Professionals who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices as determined by the U.S. Green Building Council and Green Building Certification Institute. Likewise, several of our attorneys have degrees in architecture and engineering, which gives them an even deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities of green building.

Our London office operates as Seyfarth Shaw (UK) LLP, an affiliate of Seyfarth Shaw LLP. Seyfarth Shaw (UK) LLP is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with registered number 556927.

Legal services provided by our Australian practice are provided by the Australian legal practitioner partners and employees of Seyfarth Shaw Australia, an Australian partnership.

Our Hong Kong office "Seyfarth Shaw," a registered foreign law firm, is a Hong Kong sole proprietorship and is legally distinct and independent from Seyfarth Shaw LLP, an Illinois limited liability partnership, and its other offices.